Discover a variety of course opportunities for high school students this summer with Northwestern Qatar. Our Summer E-Seminars invite you to join students from around the world to immerse yourself in rigorous online course work and experience a unique global college culture. Join a fascinating online classroom discussion taught by top Northwestern Qatar faculty highlighting themes relevant today. Meet virtually with students from around the world and participate in a variety of programs and activities designed to prepare you for college life. Upon completion of the course, students will earn a certificate of participation as well as an unforgettable experience.
Professor: Dana Atrach
Dates: May 8 - 19, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)
Course Overview:
Stories are at the heart of everything we do. They're a way for us to connect to people and the world around us. But where do stories come from? How do we know what stories we want to tell and share with the world? This course will give students a foundation in the principles and techniques of writing a short screenplay. Areas of focus include concept, theme, character development, story structure, pitching and other aspects of storytelling. The course will be held online via zoom platform.
Professor: Spencer Striker, PhD
Dates: June 12-16, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)
Course Overview:
Great games can immerse us in wondrous, compelling new worlds. And now, with the rise of mobile game technology—rich, compelling interactive experiences are available inexpensively, in your pocket, and at your fingertips. This course guides you through the essentials of mobile game design and development, including such topics as: picking the right engine, building a cross-functional team, developing artwork, integrating sound, prototyping, bug triage, polishing, publishing and marketing.
Along the way, we examine the role of the game designer—including the process of generating ideas, writing professional game design documents, and defining core loops, mechanics, dynamics, and systems. Next, we dive into character systems and the mechanics of chance, skill, tactics, and strategy. We define what makes mobile game design unique from desktop or console, including such considerations and affordances as UI (user interface) and UX (user experience), screen resolution, touch and swipe, the accelerometer, and optimizing for performance across operating systems and devices—including iOS and Android, phone and tablet. In addition, students learn to pitch their ideas and explain how their game works—and why users will love it. We look at how to develop a game design portfolio in order to break into the game industry. The course will be held online via zoom platform.
Learning Outcomes:
Students should come away from this course on Mobile Game Design inspired by this fascinating subject; equipped with a balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills; and equipped with the beginnings of a game design portfolio, (which can be built upon). Upon completion of Mobile Game Design, students will be able to:
Instructor: Alessandra ElChanti, MFA
Dates: September 18- 29, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)
Course Overview:
In this in-person course, students will be introduced to theories, definitions, genres, and concepts of documentary filmmaking as a mode of storytelling through the lens of documentary films made about the MENA region. Students will learn concepts of documentary film and the MENA region through assigned readings and film screenings throughout the program. Students will apply the concepts learned through short writing assignments, and they will present a final analysis of a film watched during the program at the end of the two weeks. This course will be held in-person at Northwestern Qatar campus.
Learning Outcomes: